atrial fib?

[Dan__0]

  : : I'm a 22 yr old male experiencing skipped heart beats.  I have been trying to eliminate alcohol, stress, and don't smoke as much as possible.  The skipping or extra heartbeats are bothersome, but thats not my question.  Sometimes the problem will last for about 5 seconds.  The fluttering is very strong in a single series which last for about 4 or 5seconds and makes me feel totally fatigued!  I'm not asking for you to determine my condition through the limited info, but is this what atrial fib feels like or some other cardiac condition?  I know atrial fib can lead to strokes, and death isn't out of the question. Any info is well apprecitated to steer me in the right direction! Thanks Dan
  : Dear Dan:
  : What you describe could be paroxysmal afib, or bursts of afib. The only way to know would be to wear a Holter monitor (portable EKG) for a period of time. Make an appointment with your doctor to be properly evaluated. Do not assume that you are just having skipped beats.
  : I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
  : If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
  My next question about this arrythmia problem is as follows. First I want to remind you that I have eliminated caffeine, very lil alcohol, and go threw stress from work, girlfriend, and school.  Will athletic activity bring on burst of afib or is it more likely that it comes on it own.  Besides exercise is stress more of a major problem with afib?  If you can tell me anything that brings on the symptoms of afib I'd understand the condition more clearly.  Sorry, but I have one last question... How often is afib found in 22 year old males? Thank you very much

Dear Dan:
Exercise can precipitate arrhythmias in some patients. However, this does not mean that patients with arrhythmias should not exercise. They just need to consult with their doctor first and see if it is safe and if any medicines are needed. Anything that raises your level of adrenaline can precipitate atrial fibrillation. Afib is unusual in healthy 22 year old males, but not unheard of. When it does occur in this setting, it is less likely to be associated with bad things like stroke. Once again, you should see your doctor and have a formal diagnosis made; you should not assume that you do or do not have atrial fibrillation.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.